CPD warns of scammers ‘spoofing’ department’s phone number

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department issued a statement on its social media on Friday that scammers are allegedly “spoofing” the department’s phone number.

“Columbia Police have seen an increase in telephone scams where the caller identifies as one of our officers. The caller may indicate that you have a warrant or are at risk of being arrested if you do not provide a payment,” CPD wrote on Facebook. “Neither Columbia Police nor any other law enforcement agency will ever contact anyone to request payment for something over the phone under any circumstances. Never provide any personal or financial information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth or Social Security numbers to any unsolicited callers.”

CPD said scammers are able to make it look like they're calling from official phone numbers. The department said in voicemail messages, the scammers provide a phone number to call that is not affiliated with CPD.